The Energy Performance Certificate is similar to the certificates now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

Its purpose is to record how energy-efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the property from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.

Two ratings are shown. The environmental impact rating is a measure of a home's impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (C0₂) emissions - the higher the rating, the less impact it has on the environment. The energy-efficiency rating is a measure of a home's overall efficiency. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the home is, and the lower the fuel bills are likely to be.

Each rating is based on the performance of the building itself and its services (such as heating and lighting), rather than the domestic appliances within it. This is known as an asset rating. The certificate also lists the potential rating of the building if all the cost-effective measures were installed.

The ratings will vary according to the age, location, size and condition of the building. The potential rating on the certificate will take these factors into account, and the suggested measures will be tailored so that they are realistic for the particular building.

See also on our site

What's in a Pack? > Compulsory Items > EPCs
Energy Performance Certificates are a compulsory part of the Pack

External links

Energy Performance of Buildings
Key info from the Communities and Local Government site

The Energy Saving Trust
Advice on saving energy, improving your home and accessing grants

Climate Challenge
Information on the Government's Climate Change Communication Initiative

The European Commission
Information on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Environment and Greener Living
Section about green issues on the Directgov site